asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a fund from Hospitals Trust moneys for the full maintenance and staffing of hospitals and sanatoria.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maintenance and Staffing of Hospitals.
Mr. A. Byrne
The full resources of the Hospitals Trust Fund will be needed to meet commitments of the fund in respect of the payment of deficits of the participating hospitals and of miscellaneous charges and also in respect of the completion of the seven-year hospital building programme. I am sure, therefore, that the Deputy will appreciate that, in the circumstances, the establishment of a fund such as that which he suggests is not feasible and that it would be fruitless for me to attempt to do so.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that the Dublin ratepayers had no objection to paying a fair share? While I know that the Minister is overburdened, could he not establish a fund to help meet the charges?
Major de Valera
I propose to raise the subject-matter of Question No. 31 on to-day's Order Paper on the Adjournment. It is similar to Question No. 51, which was asked on the 28th February, 1951, and reported at column 773, Volume 5 of the Official Debates.